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   Landmarks Commission Minutes

CORRECTED

July 11, 2007
6:30 P.M.
Main Level Conf. Room
City Hall

Present: Commissioners Matt Bivens, Steve Emer, Dave Brown, Pat Jones, David Meyers, Tom Riggs, and Alan Lamberg (Staff)

Guests: Craig Conway, Ginny Garesche, Tad Skelton

  1. Approval of Minutes. Minutes from June 13, 2007 meeting were approved with typo correction.
  1. Volunteer coordination.  Mr. Tad Skelton, owner of 341 East Argonne Drive, who had successfully used tax credits when restoring the landmark Talhurst-Burr House on 345 East Argonne, intends to form a coalition of property owners in the Jefferson-Argonne National Historic District.  Their objective is to advocate local designation of the district so that the Landmarks Commission can assist with preservation.  The area is experiencing development pressures, and the Landmarks Commission, with the power of design review and stay of demolition, can encourage the maintenance of historic character and architectural harmony of the district.  It should be understood that it is not the mission nor intention of the Commission to prevent contemporary development; however, many property owners are hoping that Kirkwood's citizens and government will balance the forces of development and preservation.

Mr. Skelton intends to do the following:

·         Clarify the differences between a local and national historic district designation.

·         Coordinate with block captains of the district, which will eventually facilitate petitioning owners on whether or not they want a local district designation.  

·         Ask for testimonials from owners who had met with the Commission for attaining a certificate of appropriateness.

  1. Citizen Comments. 

Ms. Ginny Garesche and Mr. Craig Conway voiced concerns about the case that went before the Board of Adjustment, recently, for 349 E. Argonne, a historic contributor of the Jefferson-Argonne district.   They would prefer if city agencies verified claims of structural integrity from expert witnesses.  However, it should be noted that BOA cases are not in the Landmarks Commission purview.

Tad Skelton wanted to know the position of the City Council regarding the ordinance revision.  Art McDonnell responded that the Council is receptive to all aspects; housing styles, infill, development, property rights and preservation.   The bottom line: if there is support from the majority of property owners for preservation, then the Council will be supportive.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness
    1. Case 07-08 - 1075 Barberry Lane, new construction.  Amendment to Case 07-05 (April 11) and 07-06 (June 13); client wants to modify design for front porch.  Applicant: Agape Construction.  Porch approved as is, with the condition that the center column on the left will become one new post.  Suggestions: Stone foundation on right side window to have mutin in the center.
  1. Old Business
    1. Ordinance Review – Draft of Ordinance presented by Staff to Landmarks Commission, including draft of executive summary for City Council. 
  1. New Business
    1. Citizens seeking advice to preserve their historic properties.  See volunteer comments.
    1. Staff observations, suggestions. None.
    1. Forum "Preservation 101" – informational forum for property owners of places in local and national districts to be held in September.
  1. Adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alan Lamberg, staff

Persons with disabilities who need accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting should call the City at 822-5801 or 822-5858 (TDD) at least 48 hours before the meeting.